Saturday, November 7, 2009

After going through a couple of days of sadness (due to the tragedies at Fort Hood and Orlando), I found the neatest story to share today---a story about unconditional love. I hope this story will have meaning for you in your life today.

+++++++++++++++++++HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.! The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said,'She doesn't know me, but I STILL KNOW WHO SHE IS.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

+++++++++++++++++++++++All of my adult life, I have tried to live by the statement which is printed at the top of my blog. Here it is for you to read again: "Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude-- and you will find joy through all of your ups and downs. "

How do you get through the 'storms' of life? Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.